Plot thickens on housing site

OVERGROWN . . . the land has been vacant for years

ROYTON councillors are urging Oldham Council’s Planning Committee to reconsider plans for an overgrown piece of land — and to axe an application to build houses on the site.

Outline planning permission is being sought by the council, which would allow a developer to build 14 homes on the corner of Cornish Way and Blackshaw Lane. The unused, council-owned land, borders Blackshaw Lane Primary and Nursery School and several homes. Outline permission would make the site more attractive to a developer.

Royton South ward councillors are hoping to persuade planning committee members to allow allotments or a community garden on the site instead.

Councillor Steven Bashforth said: “This piece of land has been set aside for housing for many years.

“During a recent review I requested that it not be sold until my ward colleagues and I had chance to consult with residents over its future.”

He added that, if the outline planning application was successful at this stage, it would set the principle for development on the site.”

The housing application has been recommended for approval .